MLB Player News

Franco went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Monday against the Yankees.

Franco was cold for much of July, hitting just .202 with a .669 OPS across 89 at-bats. However, he did manage to end the month on a four-game hitting streak, during which he's hit two home runs and scored five runs. Franco has shown glimpses of breaking out this season, and his strong plate discipline and willingness to steal bases should give him a safe floor of production at a minimum moving forward.

Mateo went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Monday's 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Mateo hasn't helped his cause for playing time in July, going 6-for-36 (.167) over 17 games this month. He was able to knock three extra-base hits and added three steals, but he's been limited to a reserve role lately, and that's unlikely to change with the Orioles pacing the American League. Mateo is at a .212/.259/.340 slash line with 24 thefts, six home runs, 31 RBI and 40 runs scored over 87 contests this season.

Bichette was removed from Monday's game against Baltimore with right knee discomfort.

Bichette pulled up after rounding first base on a single during the third inning. Luckily, he was able to limp off the field under his own power. The Jays will take a look at Bichette and should provide an update on his status before Tuesday's contest. Until then, he should be considered day-to-day.

Bliss was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners on Monday along with Dominic Canzone and Josh Rojas in exchange for Paul Sewald, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bliss used good fortune (.408 BABIP) and a very favorable home park to slash .358/.414/.594 with 12 home runs and 30 steals for Double-A Amarillo, but he has struggled in 13 games since getting promoted to Triple-A. Given that Bliss is already 23 and was a below league average hitter at Single-A (99 wRC+) and High-A (82 wRC+), his run at Double-A looks like a clear outlier, but he has a chance to be a good defensive second baseman or a passable defensive shortstop, so he should at least have a big-league career as a bench infielder.

Velazquez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Zach Neto (back) will draw back in at shortstop Monday after missing seven of the Angels' last eight games, which likely spells an end to Velazquez's brief run as a regular in the lineup. Velazquez will move into a utility role and isn't expected to see frequent starting opportunities while both Neto and Luis Rengifo are available.

Neto (back) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth Monday in Atlanta, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

This recent back issue has bothered Neto dating back to July 22, when he was first scratched. He has appeared in four games since then without going on the injured list. Neto is hitting .216 with two home runs and 13 strikeouts in 11 games this month.

Smith (back) went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, a two-run home run and a walk in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Sugar Land on Sunday.

Smith started at third base and compiled all three of his RBI over the fourth and fifth innings. The 27-year-old also played shortstop for the Aviators on Friday, and he was encouragingly able to up his workload to seven innings Sunday after logging five frames in that contest. Having already suited up on three occasions overall for Las Vegas, Smith may only need another game or two down on the farm before being deemed ready for activation.

Duran went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Sunday's 5-3 loss to San Diego.

Duran was back in the lineup at shortstop after receiving a one-day respite. He walked and stole his sixth base in the fourth inning before coming home on a throwing error. He later scored on Marcus Semien's two-run single. Duran's production has dropped off since coming back from the break, posting a .167 average (7-for-42) with three RBI over the last 12 games.

Baez went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Marlins.

Baez entered the contest batting just .182 over his previous 10 games, so this was a step in the right direction. The shortstop is still batting just .225 for the season with a .594 OPS, making it another disappointing campaign in his second year with the Tigers. Baez may still make a splash here and there, though it's hard to trust him as a consistent fantasy performer at this point given his struggles in 2022 and 2023.

Crawford went 2-for-3 with a solo homer, a double, three runs scored and two walks in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Crawford belted a solo homer in the second inning between crossing home in the first and ninth frames. He's having a terrific month, going 31-for-91 (.341) with 14 extra-base hits and 15 runs scored through 24 July games. Crawford's season slash line is up to .265/.376/.413 through 418 plate appearances. His ninth home run of the year Sunday tied his career high set in 2021.